The National Network for Critical Technology Assessment has released a report marking the conclusion of a $4 million pilot program that sought analytical approaches for determining the maturity, trajectory and impact of various technologies with the ultimate aim of helping the government make data-driven investments.
The work that the National Network performed focused on four technology areas — artificial intelligence, biopharmaceuticals, energy and critical materials and semiconductors — with the findings informing the Assessing and Predicting Technology Outcomes program, which aims to forecast the results of technology investments, the National Science Foundation said Tuesday.
Erica Fuchs, National Network director for its pilot year, said that the project demonstrated the feasibility of assessing critical technologies using new data and analytics approaches, adding: “This assessment can ensure that the country makes smart investments in the new technologies vital to national security, prosperity, and broad-based social well-being.”
For his part, NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan said: “This pilot helped map current capabilities and identify where additional investments are needed to develop the science and technology that will drive advanced technology assessment and prediction.”
He added that technology assessment and prediction could transform U.S. investment in research and innovation.
The National Network for Critical Technology Assessment is funded by the NSF.